Last Saturday the Navy 'played' as a protagonist alongside the Italian rugby team, on the occasion of the first autumn test match organized at the Olimpico in Rome, against the reigning world champions of New Zealand.
The international event was attended by more than 60.000 spectators, who filled the stadium's stands not only to watch the game, but above all to contribute once again to giving the event an atmosphere of serenity, respect and health competitive spirit, typical characteristics of the atmosphere of rugby, which find numerous affinities with the principles of the Navy.
The show started already in the pre-match when, incited loudly by the speaker of the Olympic stadium, the marching band of the Navy marched to position themselves in the center of the pitch while the images of the operations at the stadium were projected on the maxi screens of the stadium. which the Navy attended.
Anticipating the entry of the two game formations, even the athletes of the Navy, including the bronze medal in rowing at the Rio 2016 Olympics, sub-chief Giovanni Abagnale, became protagonists by accompanying some young athletes of the Italian rugby clubs to the field , testifying to the important role that sport plays for the growth of children, and to underline the attention that the Navy has towards the practice of various sports for the training of its personnel.
Before the kick-off, after having sung the national anthem of the All Blacks and before the New Zealand players themselves performed the famous Maori dance (Haka), the Navy marching band played the notes of the Mameli Hymn, accompanied by the voices of the spectators present.
After the match at the Olympic Village the legendary 'Third time' at the Navy stand during a festive and convivial atmosphere, a representation of the band played some jazz songs, while our athletes welcomed the many visitors who came .
